Paderborn

Paderborn maintained their competitiveness in the division with a seventh place finish last season, just like previous campaigns, they were a match for anyone on their day, but not consistent enough to ruffle any feathers in the promotion battle. Lukas Kwasniok has been in charge since 2021 and will remain as head coach for the upcoming campaign. The Polish-born manager is not afraid to change his team from week-to-week and will continue to put his emphasis on youth. The squad did need to be trimmed down during the summer but that doesn’t mean Paderborn haven’t been active in the transfer window. Regulars Conteh and Klefisch have moved on while decent squad players Heuer, Leipertz, and Schuster have also left. The big incoming transfer is the return of fan-favourite Sven Michel. The striker is back at the club after testing his mettle in the Bundesliga with Union Berlin and Augsburg. He is now 32 but his experience and finishing ability will be invaluable. This season Paderborn have a nice blend of youth and experience which should make them a tough opponent. New recruits Castaneda, Scheller, Baur, and Bauerle are looking to make their mark while Herrmann and Gotze from Dresden and RW Essen respectively, have been around the block at this level. Kwasniok is likely to chop and change regularly again and this will make Paderborn unpredictable for opponents. However, inconsistency in performances could be the downside to this.